When to Visit

Any time of the year is a great time to visit Rocky Mountain National park. From spring's flowers to fall's bugling elk to winter's snow-covered forests, you can find beauty and wonder here all year long. Click here for park hours.

Events Today

Lubeck's Rocky Mountains

L.Lawrence Lubeck's Rocky Mountains exhibit examining the painter's large format oils of the Rocky Mountains, Estes Park Museum.

Catch the Glow

Catch the Glow Holiday Celebration & Evening Parade to kick off the holiday season. Visits with Santa, hay rides, pony rides, carolers, costumed characters and an early-evening lighted parade, all activities are free. Downtown Estes Park, activities begin at Noon; the parade starts at 5:30 pm, 970-577-9900 or 800-44-ESTES

Upcoming Events

Spring

High Country Health

High Country Health & Medicine, an exhibit that examines the history of human health and medical practices in the Estes Valley, Estes Park Museum.

Exploring with a Camera

Join a ranger for a photography walk. Focus on composition, light, and basic tips to improve your pictures. Meet at Timber Lake Trailhead. 3 PM 1-1.5 hour activity

Rocky Mountain Praise

Rocky Mountain Praise. Bond Park. 7 pm. 970‐586‐0873

Art Market

More than 90 artisans assemble to kick off the summer season and to showcase their art in Bond Park in the center of downtown Estes Park. Fine art and crafts from local, regional and national artisans will be for sale. Saturday... [more]

Skins & Things

Examine the skins, skulls, antlers, teeth and bones of park mammals. Drop in anytime during the program. Meet at Kawuneeche Visitor Center, 3 PM 40 minute activity. Wheelchair access.

Summer

Alpaca Market

Estes Park Alpaca Market - Featuring Alpaca spinning, weaving and knitting. Alpacas on display and for sale. Beginning at 9 am, 08/30/08 - 08/31/08, Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 970-586-6104... [more]

Copper Penny Horse Show

Colorado Hunter Jumper Association Free, from 8 am, 07/25/08 - 07/27/08, Fairgrounds at Estes Park, 1209 Manford Ave., 970-586-6104, www.chja.org... [more]

Heritage Festival

A celebration of the history of Estes Park, including storytelling, musical performances, and exhibits. Free, 10 am - 5 pm, 08/23/08 - 08/24/08, Bond Park in the Center of Downtown, 970-577-1903... [more]

Plein Air Gala Opening

Estes Park Plein Air Gala Opening Day Festivities - 50 artists from across the country exhibit freshly painted works created outdoor and on location in and around Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. The show and sale opens to the public at 12 pm. Gala receptions and... [more]

Legends & Lore II

The tradition continues with a second exhibition of art works from Estes Parks artistic heritage. Includes a collection of rarely seen art, objects and photographs on loan; with a limited sale of art from private collections. Free. Daily noon to 5 pm. Cultural Arts Council Fine Art Gallery, 304 E.... [more]

Fall

Autumn Art Walk

Autumn Art Walk & Studio Tour - A self-guided tour of galleries and artist studios throughout area. Tour directories available at the Cultural Arts Council at 304 E Elkhorn Ave, visitors centers, and participating artist studios. Free, 10 am, 09/13/08 - 09/14/08, Area art galleries,... [more]

Enchanting Wearable Art

Opening exhibit and reception with whimsical, wire wrap/ bead and fossil jewelry by Alice League and the colorful creations of life-long fiber and knitwear artist, Janice Kay. Art Center of Estes Park, 517 Big Thompson Ave., 5 pm, 7 pm, 970-586-5882... [more]

Write Here in the Rockies

Practice the art and craft of nature writing in an intimate setting near Rocky Mountain National Park. At this indepth workshop, you will refine your skills through drills, writing exercises, discussions of the craft of writing, examination of good writers, and group critique. This is an excellent opportunity... [more]

The Elk Rut: High Country Romance

Elk are among the most commonly observed mammals in Rocky Mountain National Park but few people understand the social and sexual interactions occurring during the rut. Although elk are the most vocal deer species in North America, a majority of their communication is through body language. The seminar... [more]

Wildlife Photography

Truly great wildlife images "connect" with a viewer and elicit a variety of emotional reactions - humor, joy, excitement, reverence, apprehension, a sense of wonder, and much more. Creating a wildlife photograph with the power to "connect" is the result of a unique combination of skills, including knowledge... [more]

Winter

Holiday Time Travel

Dec. 15: Holiday Time Travel featuring storytelling by Susan Marie Frontczak. Estes Park Museum. 2 pm

Geometry!

Geometry...the Sacred and Profane - The Art Center will be hosting special guest, friend and lecturer, Chuck Benson. Benson will guide us from the time of Plato and Archimedes to the time of Einstein and modern digital fractal generation, while exploring geometry and the sacred aspects of its... [more]

Winter Trails Day

February 16th, 2008 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Park and Ride lot near Glacier Basin, Off Bear Lake Road. Rocky Mountain National Park www.wintertrails.org This international event offers those new to snow sports an opportunity to try snowshoeing FREE. It... [more]

Capturing Winter: A Weekend of Photography/Snow Shoe

Do you like to snowshoe in the woods and enjoy the quiet beauty of frosty streams and frozen waterfalls? Escape for a weekend at the Wild Basin Lodge with stunning views of towering peaks and the beauty of the St. Vrain Creek. Come join us as we capture... [more]

Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Egg Hunt - Town Park - 11:00 a.m. 970.627.8428

Explore!

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